Virginia deserves free college tuition

On Nov. 7, 2017, Virginia progressives let out a sigh of relief: Democrat Ralph Northam defeated Republican Ed Gillespie in the race for governor. Unenthused by Northam’s centrist policy positions, many progressives begrudgingly voted for Northam in order to keep a Republican out of the Governor’s Mansion.

If Northam wishes to simultaneously win over the enthusiasm of progressives and put Virginia on path to a better future, he could do so in part by adopting a far more liberal higher education policy. Specifically, Northam should champion tuition free education for all public students in Virginia colleges.

While campaigning, Northam announced his plan for higher education would include tuition free two year community college, under the conditions students commit to a year of public service after completing their degree. While this is somewhat of a step in the right direction, it doesn’t go far enough. Progressives demand, and Virginians should accept, nothing less than free college education at all two year and four year institutions in the state.

Critics, most prominently Republicans and centrist Democrats, will immediately say this is impossible, citing high costs. But tuition free college is far from impossible. Public college could be paid for with the federal government and state governments covering the cost. While this does require a tax increase, it could be paid for simply by slightly increasing taxes on Wall Street. Specifically, if there was a small increase in capital gains taxes on Wall Street, free public college tuition could be paid for in no time. This tax increase will affect a tiny number of people, but the number of people in the country who would benefit is much higher.

There are several nations, such as Finland, Iceland and France, that provide their citizens with free college education. It’s not a coincidence many of these nations are considered to have some of the highest standards of living in the world. When all citizens are able to go to college, everyone is able to learn what is necessary in order to succeed economically. Skilled workers create successful economies, and thus higher standards of living. Additionally, not having to constantly worry about how college will be paid for creates a healthier mental health environment.  

The state of New York is now allowing middle class residents to attend state colleges for free. This move allows people who previously struggled to go to college to receive an education that will advance their futures. Additionally, in he conservative state of Tennessee, Republican lawmakers enthusiastically voted for free community college, citing the skilled workforce that will emerge as a result.

Most importantly, Gov. Northam should be in favor of tuition free college because everybody should have the right to an education. A college education means acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to living a successful, meaningful life; there is any institutional barrier to everyone being guaranteed that right is an injustice. A state with tuition free college means a more egalitarian state, one in which everyone is equally capable of achieving their dreams. This is a progressive vision for a better Virginia, one that Gov. Northam would be wise to adopt.

Jimmy O’Keefe